Spirometry in clinical practice

Spirometry is one of the world most common methods of functional diagnostics of the respiratory system. Obtained by this method data play an important role in determining the type of ventilation disorders, clinical diagnosis, evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and prognosis. Therefore, special attention is paid to the technical standards of the study, which is well standardized. Spirometry guidelines are reviewed periodically. In 2019, spirometry quality standards developed by the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society were published, which updated the indications and contraindications for spirometry, criteria for the quality and reproducibility of technically acceptable maneuvers. The article presents the main parameters and the algorithm for interpreting spirometry results. An important role is played by the selection of a set of predicted values, which define the range of normal values for the population. In 2012, new universal equations were developed − Global Lung Function Initiative 2012, which allow calculating the reference value of spirometry in a wide age range (from 3 to 95 years). A modern approach to determining the degree of deviations from normal values is described, which must be determined using the lower limit of the norm and the z-score. The role of spirometry in obstructive ventilation disorders is emphasized.